You have heard the buzzwords and the benefits. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs increase positive classroom behavior, improve student attitudes about themselves, others and school, and result in an 11 percentile point gain on standardized achievement tests*. But how do schools truly integrate social-emotional tools into the everyday lives of their students? 

Here at ICSJ School, we walk the talk. ICSJ’s Student Support Team consists of three full-time counselors, two learning specialists and a literacy specialist who work with all grade level teachers to provide assistance to our 450 students as they navigate the social, emotional and academic waters of school.

ICSJ School is committed to providing an environment in which all students feel comfortable and safe to express their feelings and concerns. Through close and regular collaboration with classroom teachers, ICSJ counselors integrate behavioral and emotional strategies including Responsive Classroom®, Second Step®, Mindful Schools, and the Rush NeuroBehavioral Center’s Executive Functioning curriculum into everyday classroom lessons. These tools help students develop healthy relationships with their peers, teachers, parents, and siblings and strengthen the social-emotional growth of all PreK through Grade 8 students.

We are thrilled to celebrate International SEL Day with peers from around the world. Even in this time of a global pandemic, our counselors and teachers are in regular contact with our students to continue the growth of their social and emotional competencies, particularly those of resilience and coping. We know with the strong foundation ICSJ has provided, and the continued work of our counselors and faculty, ICSJ students will emerge from this crisis strong and centered.

For questions regarding our Social-Emotional program, please contact ICSJ’s Director of Student Support, Ronda Quinn, at [email protected].

*Source: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)